Pinery Pipeline Volume 7 Issue 1

   We have all welcomed the early warmth and blossoming trees this spring, but the lack of rain means renewed conservation efforts.
   For two summers in a row, our residents have done an excellent job of conserving water. In 2003 we delivered about 12% less water than in 2002, and that year was down 20% over the year prior, even though our population has been growing. Now we must ask for your help again.
   Unusually warm, dry and windy weather in March resulted in a rapid and serious erosion of the snow pack throughout Colorado. Since about 80% of Colorado's water supply is produced by winter's melting snows, March dealt a considerable blow to hopes of pulling out of the drought.
The recent snows have greatly improved the snow pack levels in the South Platte River Basin (our water rights on Cherry Creek are administered with the South Platte). The snow pack was not looking very good until the recent storms, and now it is similar to 2001 (see graph below from the Natural Resources Conservation Service).
   Pinery’s water supply is in good shape for a growing population; however, conservation is important to our long-term plans. The District provides 75% of its water from surface water rights on Cherry Creek, supplemented by deep ground water. Our Cherry Creek rights have a priority date of 1873. In the case of a severe shortage, our rights to draw from Cherry Creek can be temporarily put on hold by more senior water right holders. This happened during the summer of 2002, and we made up the difference by pumping more water out of deep groundwater wells. Conservation helps protect these wells.
   The District is once again asking for voluntary watering restrictions, and we have structured rates to encourage conservation. The more you use, the more you pay. We have done well with conservation these past two years, and we are once again asking for your help. At the April Board meeting the Board set a goal of reducing water consumption by 20% through voluntary conservation. We are asking that you follow the 2 day per week watering schedule and that there be no watering between the hours of 10:00 am and 6:00 pm.
   If you notice the sprinklers running full blast at Pradera golf course, please do not be alarmed. They will be planting grass in May and need to water heavily at first to start growth. Pradera has paid for a new well, and they, along with all the District’s large irrigators, must stick to an annual water budget.

The District just completed a review of the rates and fees that we charge for water and sewer service. At the April 14, Board meeting the Board of Directors discussed our rates and fees, and they will be considering changes at the May Board meeting. It has been several years since the District last raised rates and our costs to provide service have increased. The proposed water rates are:

Sewer rates are based on your winter time water usage, and the new proposed rates are:

Also at the meeting, the Board will consider changes in the tap fees that we charge for new construction. Under the proposal the tap fee for connection to our sewer system would increase from $6,090 to $6865 and the water tap fee would remain unchanged at $9,885
If approved at the May Board meeting the new rates would become effective in July.

It’s that time of year again. The District’s annual sewer video inspection and cleaning program has begun. Our contractor, DRC, will have equipment in selected neighborhoods during the summer months, including jetter trucks and video vans. The jetter trucks have permits to fill up at District hydrants and the crews will be entering the sewers through manholes both in the streets and open spaces. Please drive carefully in these areas and don’t hesitate to call if you have questions. (303.805.1839 ext. 254)

The District owns and operates Bingham Lake as the water supply for irrigation of the Pinery Country Club. We are a Water and Sanitation District organized under the laws of the State and as a result we have very specific, and limited powers. The provision of park and recreation facilities and service is not a power which has been delegated to the District. For example, we are not allowed to spend money to provide for recreation. To allow Bingham Lake and the surrounding property to be used for recreation we have a lease with Douglas County Division of Parks and Trails for the parking areas, trail, and picnic shelter. Under the terms of this lease, Douglas County patrols and maintains these areas. We have also had a lease with the Pinery Homeowners’ Association (PHA) for fishing and boating on the Lake. We have been informed by the PHA that they are unable to continue leasing the lake. We are exploring our options and we hope to have more information to share soon.

A migratory juvenile male Bald Eagle has been spotted in the trees around Bingham Lake. He has been stopping here each spring for the last three years.

Rhonda Lancaster joined the District staff in 2003, jumping right into her customer service responsibilities. So she can better serve our customers, she attends monthly Board meetings, works with Title companies ordering final meter readings for final billings and mails out welcome letters to new homeowners providing information about our services.
Outside work, Rhonda’s hobbies start with her 3 teenagers , 2 who play high school sports and 1 who attends college in Durango. She is also an avid Rockies baseball fan, loves the outdoors, horseback riding and would like to learn to play golf this year. Like her co-worker, Rhonda also enjoys Colorado history.

Patty Britton has been working for the District both part time since 1991 and now fulltime since 2000. She’s done everything from reading water meters and weekly office cleaning to all aspects of the day to day business and Customer Service in the District office.
Away from her desk, Patty enjoys spending time with her family and friends, riding and camping with their horses. When she has the time , she especially likes riding their horses into rendezvous campsites and exploring and living Colorado history as the pioneers did. She also enjoys throwing and working with clay and teaching pottery.

All public water systems are required by law to carry a residual of a disinfectant in their distribution systems. Chemical disinfectants are added to drinking water continuously at the entry point(s) of the system. Chlorine is the most common disinfectant used in the United States and Canada. In the United States, chlorine is used in 75 percent of the larger systems and about 95 percent of the smaller systems. The chlorine kills pathogenic organisms (disease causing bacteria) that may be in the distribution system, keeping you safe and healthy.
The chlorine odor and taste of the water may be objectionable to some. Many tests have shown that the residual amount of chlorine found in treated water is safe to drink. If you choose, you can catch your water in a pitcher and place the pitcher into the refrigerator and let the chlorine dissipate over time, leaving cold, chlorine-free, water for drinking.

DRAIN standing water around the house weekly since it is where mosquitoes lay eggs. Check tires, cans, flowerpots, clogged gutters, rain barrels, toys and puddles.

DUSK & DAWN are when mosquitoes that may carry West Nile Virus are most active. Take precautions against bites or limit outdoor activities at this time.

DEET is an effective ingredient to look for in insect repellants. Follow label instructions carefully.

DRESS in long sleeves and pants at dusk and dawn or in areas where mosquitoes are active.

WEST NILE VIRUS is rare, but if you have symptoms including high fever, severe headache and stiff neck, contact your health care provider immediately

Source: Fight the Bite, a public education campaign brought to you by Colorado’s state and local health departments.

Special District’s in Colorado hold their elections in May of even numbered years. This year we had two Directors up for election. We had two nominations for the two positions (both returning Directors), when this occurs the election can be cancelled and the two new directors are elected. The two newly reelected Directors are David Eyre, and Bob Greene. They join the 3 other Directors of the District, Bob Chapman, Rod Yoakam, and Bob Colby. Our next regular election will be in May of 2006.

Give Us a BRAKE

Water and Sewer mains are normally buried in the streets for easier accessibility for your Water and Wastewater District. When repairs or maintenance to these mains are needed, it is sometimes necessary for us to divert traffic or close down one lane for job site safety. We are asking for your help in controlling your traffic speeds in and around these work sites. Please slow down when you approach the posted signs and cones and be watchful for the personnel that are in the area. Thanks for slowing down; it could save someone’s life.

During construction at the wastewater treatment plant , Biosolids will still be available. However, quantities will be limited and accessibility into the plant will be under tight security. Please call ahead for availability and accessibility . Our normal hours will apply, 7AM to 3PM, Monday thru Friday. Please call 303.805.1839, TR at ext. 254 or Shannon at ext. 250 for more information.

The Tri-County Health Department is again holding its Household Chemical Roundup. The Pinery Water District is a sponsor of this popular program, which helps keep hazardous wastes out of our water supply.

   Please bring your drivers license or a water bill to show you are a resident of Douglas County. Paint, motor oil, antifreeze, vehicle batteries, house and garden chemicals, fire extinguishers, fireworks, ammunition, mercury, propane and car or pickup truck tires will be accepted. Tires must be off the rim. Volunteers will unload your car, so you do not have to leave it. The program is free except for a $2-per-tire fee, but donations are accepted.
   There will also be a free Drop-and-Swap area where people can take household cleaners, paint, car wax, antifreeze, and fertilizer in their original containers for use by other residents.
   If you would like to help, please contact Justin Laboe at (720-322-1541). For more information call the Roundup info line at 303-846-6249.

Spring Flushing of The Water System

   It looks like the drought continues! Last spring the District performed an abbreviated flushing program, helping and trying do our part in conservation. This year we will be flushing the entire system, taking care not to run the hydrants more then necessary.
   Over the winter mineral deposits that occur naturally in the water build up inside the water main due to lower water usage. Every spring the District clears the water mains that serve your home by opening fire hydrants. The velocity of water delivered out the hydrant is able to pick up the deposits and remove them from the water supply. While this may seem wasteful, our high water quality is maintained and complaints related to taste, odor and color are greatly reduced. The Staff will flush the water to storm and sewer systems when possible but at times will use a diffuser that sprays the water so that it dissipates without causing erosion of the area near the fire hydrant. At the same time fire hydrants are checked for operation and visibility to insure that if there is a fire they are operational and are easy to find.
   There are approximately 58 miles of water mains and about 400 fire hydrants in the District. This takes the staff approximately two months to complete the flushing beginning around the third week of April. You will be notified when the staff will be in your area a day prior to flushing by way of a door hanger placed either on the garage door or the front door.

Base Rate (includes 6000 gallons)	$31.50
6000 – 40,000 gallons	$1.65/1000 gal
40,000 – 60,000 gallons	$2.65/1000 gal
60,000 – 100,000 gallons	$3.30/1000 gal
100,000 – 120,000 gallons	$4.70/1000 gal
Over 120,000 gallons	$9.25/1000 gal

0 – 6,000 gallons	$36.00
6,000 – 15,000 gallons	$49.00
Over 15,000 gallons	$68.00